#and recognize your limits and learn how to navigate them for instances where you will have to provide care to a dementia patient

[gardenstateofmind]

we need more disabled people working in healthcare, i truly believe that is the only way for it improve. even the well meaning people will still be limited by their lack of understanding, and god knows that far too many healthcare workers are not well meaning.

[leonbloder]

Finding A Lived-Out Faith

In our fast-paced world, where ideas often seem to hold more value than experience, it is critical to remember that faith is not merely a concept or a set of beliefs; it is meant to be lived, felt, and shared. 

Our lived experiences shape our understanding of faith, making it a dynamic and authentic journey deeply intertwined with our daily lives. As we navigate through life, we often encounter challenges, joys, and sorrows, all of which contribute to the richness of our faith.

The Bible reminds us of this truth in James 2:26, which states, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” 

This simple statement emphasizes that true faith manifests itself through action. It is not enough to hold beliefs in our hearts; we must actively express them through our lives. Our experiences, good or bad, are the fertile ground from which our faith can grow and flourish.\

The late author and theologian Rachel Held Evans profoundly articulated this idea when she wrote, “Faith isn’t about having the right answers. It’s about the questions, the conversations, and the experiences that lead us to seek.” 

Evans understood that living out faith means engaging with life’s complexities, inviting a sacred space for doubt and discovery. In these questions—those moments of uncertainty, fear, and wonder—we often find the most genuine expressions of our faith.

Think about a time in your life when you faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable. Perhaps it was a personal loss, a health crisis, or a moment of profound doubt. In these instances, faith comes alive, not through the answers we seek but through the act of seeking. 

It teaches us resilience, compassion, and empathy. We connect with others who share in our struggles, and together, we find the strength to push through. In every tear shed and hand held along the way, we profoundly experience God’s presence.

Brian McLaren, echoes this sentiment, suggesting that “A faith that isn’t lived is a faith that might as well not exist.” 

His words challenge us to reconsider how we view our faith. Are we merely believers, or are we doers? Are we sitting comfortably within the walls of tradition, or are we going out into the world wrapped in compassion and action? 

McLaren's call to action invites us to recognize that our faith must spill out into the world, impacting and transforming the lives of those around us.

Faith lived out embraces the world. It feeds the hungry, comforts the broken-hearted, and stands up for justice. It compromises its comfort zones to reach out to those who feel lost and alone. 

By sharing our own stories and experiences, we inspire others to do the same. We create a tapestry of hope woven together by the common threads of our struggles and triumphs.

These faith experiences are not limited to monumental moments; they often occur in life's quiet, everyday interactions. A simple act of kindness, a moment of grace, or a willingness to listen can profoundly impact us and those around us. 

When we extend love—however imperfectly—we open doors to deeper connections and more significant faith experiences.

Furthermore, when we allow our lived experiences to shape our faith, we cultivate a community that embraces authenticity over perfection. 

We acknowledge that faith is not about flawless living but about engaging with the world as it is. We learn collectively from our mistakes, doubts, and victories, creating a richer and more meaningful faith journey.

This is one of the many reasons I love the community of faith I serve.  We are unafraid to voice our doubts, shy away from hard questions, and admit our mistakes.  It's truly a safe space to cultivate our faith.  

So, how do we make this a reality in our own lives? 

It starts with being present—attentively witnessing the joys and struggles of those around us. We must be open to seeing God’s handiwork in the lives of others while being willing to share our unique experiences. 

It is about cultivating spaces where stories can be shared, where questions can be asked, and where each person can feel valued just as they are. 

As we continue our journey of lived faith, remember that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—friends, family, and fellow seekers—who walk alongside us, sharing their stories and supporting us in our struggles. 

May we inspire one another to embrace faith as a living, breathing entity that propels us to act with love, generosity, and understanding.

May we take a step forward into a lived expression of faith, embracing our experiences—the good and the bad—and allowing them to inform how we interact with the world. 

May we seek connections with others and be open to the transformative power of sharing and listening. 

May we find inspiration in the simple act of living out our faith daily. May we let our faith be alive and active, radiating love and hope in a world that so desperately needs it.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen. 

[myastronastrologyhelps]

The Most Effective Method to Explore Battles for Control in a Relationship

Is it safe to say that you are encountering fights for control in your relationship? Many couples face this test sooner or later. Epic showdowns can emerge from different circumstances and elements, causing pressure and strain between accomplices. Understanding these epic showdowns and learning compelling ways of exploring them can assist with keeping a sound, amicable relationship. In this article, we will investigate instances of epic showdowns in a relationship and give procedures for beating them, a love problem solution. 1. Financial Decisions ​Financial decisions are a common source of power struggles in relationships. At the point when accomplices have various convictions, values, or ways of managing money concerning cash, clashes might emerge. One accomplice might be more economical, while the other might be more willing to unreservedly spend. This can prompt conflicts on how cash ought to be saved or allotted, causing strains within the relationship love problem solution. To address this epic showdown, having transparent correspondence about monetary objectives and expectations is fundamental. Laying out a spending plan together and thinking twice about monetary choices can assist with lightning strikes. By seeing each other’s points of view and settling on some mutual interest, couples can explore this battle for a control love problem solution. 2. Family Errands One more illustration of an epic showdown in a relationship rotates around family errands. Inconsistent dissemination of family obligations can make disdain and power uneven characters. One accomplice might feel overpowered by the responsibility, while the other may feel their endeavors are not perceived or appreciated, and love problem solution. To address this epic showdown, laying out clear assumptions and responsibilities is essential. Openness is of the utmost importance in examining each accomplice’s assets, impediments, and accessibility. Equitably distributing the work can be aided by devising a shared chore schedule or delegating responsibilities based on individual preferences. Furthermore, offering thanks and recognizing each other’s commitments can encourage a feeling of cooperation in tending to family errands, love problem solution. 3. Direction Fights for control frequently emerge about dynamics inside a relationship. Whether it’s significant life decisions, for example, vocation changes or migrating, or everyday choices, similar to where to have supper, conflicts can happen. At the point when one accomplice reliably rules independent direction or ignores the other’s feedback, it can prompt sensations of inconsequentiality and an absence of an independent love problem solution. To explore this fight for control, it is fundamental to develop a feeling of fairness and regard in navigation. Validate each other’s points of view and engage in active listening practice. Investigate, split the difference, and track down arrangements that consolidate the two accomplices’ requirements and wants. By encouraging a climate of coordinated effort and shared independent direction, epic showdowns can be a limited love problem solution. 4. Closeness and Feelings Contrasts in closeness and feelings can likewise add to epic showdowns in a relationship. While one partner may struggle to express vulnerability or prioritize intimacy, the other may desire more affection or emotional support. This crisscrossing can prompt disappointments and errors, love problem solution. To address this fight for control, having open and empathetic communication is significant. Make a place of refuge where the two accomplices can communicate their necessities and want without judgment. Take part in dynamic compassionate tuning in and cooperate to track down ways of meeting each other’s feelings. This might include splitting the difference and investigating better approaches to interface on a close-to-home level love problem solution.

[theaccountingsavvy]

Insights Unveiled: A Conversation with a Corporate Assignment Help Expert

Hello students,

If you are ever thinking about who will Do My corporate accounting Assignment for Me

Then you are at the perfect place

The world of academia often poses challenges, especially when it comes to assignments. The demand for excellence, coupled with intricate subject matter, can sometimes overwhelm students. To delve deeper into the realm of academic assistance, I recently had the privilege of sitting down with a seasoned Corporate Assignment Help Expert, someone who navigates the intricate waters of academia to assist students in achieving their academic goals.

Interviewer: Good day! It's a pleasure to speak with you. To start, could you please share what motivated you to become an expert in the realm of corporate assignment help?

Dr. Alexander: Hello! The pleasure is mine. Well, my journey into this field stemmed from a passion for education and a drive to help students. I recognized the challenges many face in academia, especially with complex subjects and demanding assignments. Witnessing this struggle propelled me to leverage my expertise and assist students in navigating these challenges effectively.

Interviewer: That's commendable. Could you shed some light on the specific areas you specialize in when providing assignment help to students?

Dr. Alexander: Certainly! I specialize in various domains within the corporate landscape. These include but are not limited to business management, finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic planning. My goal is to not only aid students in understanding theoretical concepts but also to guide them in applying these theories to real-world scenarios effectively.

Interviewer: That sounds comprehensive. In your experience, what are some common challenges students face with corporate assignments?

Dr. Alexander: One of the primary challenges students encounter is the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application. Many struggle to bridge the gap between what they learn in textbooks and how these concepts operate in real corporate settings. Additionally, time management often becomes an issue, especially when juggling multiple assignments and deadlines within a limited timeframe.

Interviewer: Time management is indeed crucial. How do you assist students in overcoming these challenges?

Dr. Alexander: It's a multi-faceted approach. I prioritize understanding the student's individual learning style, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Then, I provide tailored guidance and resources to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This includes offering detailed explanations, practical examples, and relevant case studies to reinforce learning. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of effective time management techniques to ensure timely completion of assignments without compromising quality.

Interviewer: That personalized approach sounds invaluable. How do you ensure the authenticity and originality of the assignments you assist with?

Dr. Alexander: Maintaining academic integrity is paramount. I strictly adhere to ethical guidelines and emphasize the importance of original work. My role is to guide and support students in their assignments by providing valuable insights, frameworks, and methodologies. I encourage critical thinking and offer suggestions while ensuring that the final submission reflects the student's unique understanding and perspective.

Interviewer: That's reassuring. Could you share an instance where your assistance significantly impacted a student's academic journey?

Dr. Alexander: Certainly. I recall working with a student struggling with a complex financial management assignment. The student found it challenging to grasp certain financial models and their application. Through one-on-one sessions and step-by-step guidance, I assisted the student in comprehending these models, enabling them to complete the assignment confidently. Witnessing their progress and seeing them achieve a high grade was truly fulfilling.

Interviewer: It's heartening to hear about such positive outcomes. Lastly, what advice would you give to students grappling with corporate assignments?

Dr. Alexander: I'd emphasize the importance of proactivity. Don't hesitate to seek help or guidance when needed. Utilize available resources, ask questions, and engage actively in your learning process. Additionally, effective time management and consistent effort are key to success. Finally, never underestimate the power of perseverance and continuous learning.

In conclusion, my conversation with the Corporate Assignment Help Expert shed light on the multifaceted approach required to assist students effectively. The expert's dedication to facilitating learning, emphasizing originality, and personalized guidance serves as a beacon for students navigating the intricate landscape of corporate assignments. Their insights unveil a pathway towards academic success, underlining the significance of collaboration and proactive engagement in the pursuit of knowledge.

Learning is a journey, and with the right guidance and support, students can navigate the challenges of corporate assignments with confidence and proficiency.

[reviewsadvice]

Mgcckj Limited Scandal: Lessons Learned And The Fallout

In today’s world, Forex financing is getting popularity day by day. In this fast-moving sector, many new businesses are getting interest from traders. But, there are some scammers too. Unfortunately, MGCCKJ Limited. is a problematic and fraudulent entity that poses a significant risk to traders. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of MGCCKJ Limited.

TEAM

This broker does not have any details about their team. Their website is not active now. But, from their previous client’s feedback, we came to know that they don’t have an actual team to perform the trading.

SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

MGCCKJ Limited. provides clients with access to forex, CFDs, and binary options trading. However, the broker does not offer any educational resources, trading signals, or other tools that can help traders improve their trading skills or decision-making processes. This lack of value-added services suggests that the broker is only interested in attracting clients for commission purposes and not for the benefit of their trading.

TRADING PLATFORM

MGCCKJ Limited. uses the SpotOption trading platform, which is a widely-used platform in the binary options industry. Unfortunately, the platform has a reputation for being prone to manipulation and unfair trading practices. Furthermore, the platform’s layout and functionality are outdated, making it difficult for traders to navigate and execute trades efficiently.

Licenses and Regulations

LICENSE STATUS

One of the most significant concerns about MGCCKJ Limited is its unlicensed status. The broker does not hold any valid licenses from recognized financial authorities. We tried to find out the license information from the broker’s website and other sources. But, in every place, we find it negative.

REGULATION STATUS

MGCCKJ Limited. is not regulated by any financial regulatory body. As they are in the UK, they should have a regulation confirmation from the FCA. But, when we searched the FCA database, we found no registration.

Why Should Not You Trust An Unlicensed Broker?

Trading with an unlicensed broker is one of the most significant mistakes any trader can make. This is because unlicensed brokers do not follow regulatory standards, which increases the risk of fraud, money laundering, and other fraudulent activities. Additionally, unlicensed brokers may exploit the trading platform, leading to client losses.

LEGAL WARNINGS AGAINST MGCCKJ LIMITED:

Several financial regulators have warned the public against using MGCCKJ Limited Services. In 2019, the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA) warned the public that the broker operated without authorization and could pose significant risks to investors.

Client Feedback On MGCCKJ Limited.

ABOUT THEIR TRADING

Several clients have reported that the broker’s trading practices are manipulative and fraudulent. There have been instances where traders’ accounts have been wiped out, leaving them with significant losses without clear explanations or justifications from the broker.

ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Clients have also reported that MGCCKJ Limited’s customer service is inadequate. The broker provides limited support channels, often slow to respond or provide inadequate responses to clients’ inquiries.

How Can Reviewsadvice Help You If You Get Scammed?

Reviewsadviceis a reliable and reputable financial services provider that can help traders scammed by unlicensed or fraudulent brokers. You can submit your case of getting scammed by this broker. We will provide you with a free consultation and service recommendations to help you recover the fund.

Source: https://reviewsadvice.com/mgcckj-limited-scandal-lessons-learned-and-the-fallout/

#scam #scammer #mgcckj #forex #cryptocurrency

[choicesarehard]

I keep my streams about Wolf Bride light-hearted. It’s been a hell of a year, and I think we all need a space where we can laugh together. But part of responsibly consuming problematic media is being aware of where it fails. And that’s why I think it’s important to talk about Morgan, and Wolf Bride’s troubling depiction of blindness. 

Morgan is one of the first Love Interests in Choices to have a canon disability. She is representation many players with disabilities, like myself, are eager for. But like any form of representation, writing a blind character requires research. A quick google search will lead you to numerous visually impaired voices who outline the tropes and stereotypes that harm their community. Wolf Bride has included nearly all of them. 

signal boosts are appreciated

Not All Blind People Wear Sunglasses

Morgan is shown wearing dark sunglasses from the moment she appears on screen. And there are certainly blind people who wear sunglasses — particularly those who (unlike Morgan) can still perceive some degree of light and dark, and experience painful light sensitivity. But no context is ever giving for Morgan’s use of sunglasses. In fact, they aren’t even addressed for four chapters. 

[ID: Two screenshots from Chapter Four of Wolf Bride. The first features a text box over a forest background, and reads “You glance at Morgan, and are surprised to see the dark glasses still covering her eyes.” The second features a labeled image of her sunglasses, placed over a black background, with a selectable button that reads “What does Morgan look like without these?”] What follows is a scene Pixelberry could have used to provide insight into an assistive device the sighted community may not be entirely familiar with. They could have touched on degrees of visual impairment, or why some blind individuals need dark lenses while others don’t. They could even have explained that for some individuals with visual impairments, dark lenses make tasks like reading or navigating dimly lit spaces harder.  Instead, and far more troublingly, MC is given the option to ask Morgan not to wear them anymore. And depending on your choice, the book is coded to remove the sunglasses from her sprite in future scenes. This reduces an assistive device to a fashion choice, something our MC can wish away if they don’t find it attractive. And that isn’t okay. 

Unusual Eyes

[ID: Two side-by-side screenshots from Chapter Four of Wolf Bride. The first features a text box placed over a forest background that reads “With a start, you realize her pale eyes aren’t looking at you, aren’t seeing you, aren’t seeing anything.” The second features Morgan’s sad sprite in the same forest setting, and a text box that reads “...I’ve been blind since birth.”] Morgan has a customizable sprite. But regardless of the ethnicity you select for her, she is depicted with pale blue eyes. And that troubles me. Because the stereotype that all blind individuals have cloudy, distorted, or unusual eyes is pervasive and harmful. 

Even when it isn’t tied to another harmful trope — the blind character as mystical seer or psychic — this stereotype create an expectation that blindness is something that always manifests in a visible way. And for millions of blind individuals, that isn’t the case. 

And while cataracts, trauma to the eye, and corneal infections can all cause the clouded effect most of us recognize from media, none turn your brown eyes into blue.  Heightened Senses

Another common stereotype in media is the blind character who’s remaining senses have become heightened as a compensatory mechanism, often to a supernatural degree.

[ID: Two side-by-side screenshots from Chapter Four of Wolf Bride. The first features Morgan’s surprised sprite in a forest setting and a text box that reads “I guess I sort of...feel things. Like the place on my cheek where the branch blocked the wind.” The second features Morgan’s neutral sprite in the same forest setting, and a text box that reads “I can smell the dew on the leaves, and the moss on the bark. Can’t you?] Individuals with visual impairment may learn to rely on their other senses to navigate the world around them. But they do not suddenly gain the ability to sense the location of a branch based on wind patterns, or to accurately throw a dart at a carnival game ballon based on its smell. 

[ID: Two side-by-side screenshots from Chapter Eight of Wolf Bride. The first features a text box placed over a carnival background that reads “Pop! Pop! Pop! Three darts fly through the air, striking their targets.” The second features the white MC with straight blonde hair. Her sprite is surprised, and beneath it is a text box that reads “So you did that by smell, too?]

This trope may seem harmless — after all, it gave us Daredevil, a beloved blind superhero — but it contributes to the unachievable expectations we often place on real-world individuals with visually impairments. And that isn’t fair. 

Of course, we all suspected Morgan’s abilities were due to something other than heightened senses. And that in and of itself is a problem. 

Magical / Supernatural Abilities

To the surprise of no one, Morgan exhibits these unusual abilities because she is a werewolf. But choosing to give a blind character magical abilities should only be done after asking yourself some challenging questions. As visually-impaired Tumblr user @mimzy-writing-online explains:

Your blind characters don’t need a magical ability that negates their blindness. [Ask yourself why it’s so important to you to give them one]. If it’s because they can’t do all the things you want them to do without it, then should you really have written them as blind in the first place? 

And that’s the thing. Morgan isn’t actually written as a blind character, not when it counts. Morgan shoots bullets with accuracy, runs through unfamiliar terrain, and navigates moving objects with ease. She doesn’t use common assistive devices like canes or screen readers. Her sunglasses are discarded at MC’s request. The scientific papers that fill her research facility are not digitized for accessibility or written in braille. 

Even her dreams, which should be reflections of how she perceives reality, look identical to Bastien's — which makes no sense for someone who has been canonically blind since birth. 

[ID: Two side-by-side screenshots from Chapters Five and Eight of Wolf Bride. The first features a scene from Morgan’s lucid dream. Set in a glamorous hotel, it includes visual details like twinkling lights, and patterned carpets. The color is tinted a grey-blue and the exposure on the image has been increased to an unnatural level. The second features a scene from Bastien’s lucid dream. Set in a forest, it shares the same tinted and over-exposed qualities as the first.]

Her blindness isn’t an integral part of her character. Instead, it’s a narrative device, paraded in front of the reader when it can further a central — and deeply disturbing — plot point. [content warning: discussion of discrimination and child abuse / abandonment ahead]  Morgan Was Left to Die Because She Was Blind 

And Jesus, what a plot point it is. In Chapter 11, we learn that Morgan was left to die in the woods because she was born “wrong, sickly, blind.” But the only canonical disability or illness she is ever shown to have is her blindness. 

[ID: Three side-by-side screenshots from Chapter Eleven of Wolf Bride. The first two feature the white MC with straight blonde hair’s shocked sprite in front of a forest background. The first text box reads “I don’t understand...” followed by two dialogue options “Why was Morgan abandoned?” and “Is that what you do to full moon babies? Kill them?” The second panel’s read box reads “Just because she was blind?” The third panel features  the old woman Noemi’s sad sprite, placed over a forest background. Her text box reads “If we know an infant will not survive, it is best to let it die quickly.”]

I...am frankly having a hard time thinking through the screenshot-induced fury to make a coherent argument here. To imply that blindness is an impairment so limiting that death is the only foreseeable outcome? That being born blind somehow makes a child “wrong”? The ignorance and prejudice shown in this scene is staggering. 

But equally troubling is the response of the main characters to this revelation. Yes, in fiction, bad people sometimes do bad things. But Noemi isn’t shown to be a bad person. Neither is Bastien, who knew what his pack had been guilty of in the past, and even seeks to justify it to a limited degree. 

Most shockingly, Morgan herself, who in the second screenshot below has just overheard that she was left to die as an infant because she is blind, isn’t angry or upset. She’s almost apologetic, still seeking a place within the pack. 

[ID: Two side-by-side screenshots from Chapter Eleven of Wolf Bride. The first features Hispanic Bastien’s sad sprite in front of a forest background. The text box beneath him reads “It doesn’t happen often, Clara, but...” The second features white Morgan’s sad sprite in front of the same forest background. The text box beneath her reads “I didn’t mean any harm. Especially after...what I just overheard.”]

By introducing the idea that a child born blind cannot survive, let alone thrive, without superhuman abilities, and then failing to soundly and thoroughly refute that idea through the characters we identify with, Pixelberry is unintentionally perpetuating the same false beliefs that have led to real-world instances of infanticide for centuries. And that isn’t okay. 

I don’t know where Pixelberry will go with the story from here. Perhaps in today’s chapter some of these concerns have been addressed...but I doubt it. In the meantime, I’ve also written to their support staff to express my deep concern and disappointment in the treatment of Morgan’s character. And I’d encourage you to do the same. 

Will I continue to keep streaming Wolf Bride? For now, yes. My VIP subscription is already paid for, and frankly, I want to see Morgan’s arc through. I guess the small part of me that was excited for the representation is still hopeful the narrative can be corrected. 

But I’ll be adding a content warning at the start of each stream for ablism, and that’s something I never thought I’d have to do.  Screenshots courtesy of CrimsonFeatherGames on Youtube

[doberbutts]

On Consent and Autonomy

Having a discussion with a friend about this sort of thing reminded me that I never typed anything up with Tiki’s journeys through this outside of adding onto various posts already talking about how little dogs like chihuahuas don’t get to have boundaries a lot of the time, and how a lot of the shitty aggressive little dogs are simply dogs who were never allowed to express a boundary without drawing blood.

One of the most important things to me with my animals is, and always has been, consent. I use it with my exotics, I use it with my domestics. There are things that my animals must allow me to do- nail trims, baths, teeth brushing, etc- but for the things that are required I do a lot of no-nonsense desensitization and a lot of fearfree veterinary methods to allow the animal to see that while these things are non-negotiable, they’re also not that bad and don’t have to be the worst thing ever.

But for everything else, there’s always consent involved.

I’ve spoken before about how there’s the issue of autonomy and consent especially with little dogs, who have their buttons pushed and their boundaries ignored simply because of their size, because it’s not like if you harass a doberman into biting you, because an angry chihuahua can do the same damage an angry doberman can. How little dogs especially are favored for the “living toy” and “fashion accessory” factor above all else, and how many of them are so undersocialized and underexercised that they don’t even seem to grasp that they can walk from place to place by themselves and just expect to be carried everywhere by default. How many actually don’t like that and dislike the idea of the looming behavior us freakishly tall humans tend to exhibit while interacting.

One way I managed that entire problem with Tiki was simply asking for consent to pick her up or put her down. She first learned that she could actually move from place to place on her own, and then she learned that she could accept or reject the offer to be held, and then she learned that she could ask to be held or put down. Simply by giving her a cue for both up and down, and allowing her to navigate that while earning her trust that I wouldn’t suddenly change the rules. Even to her last day, she understood the difference between her previous life of being scooped up without warning or consent, and the life I had built for her to accept my offered choice of being held tight to me.

When the vet brought her to me one last time, she was squirming in the vet’s hands to get down. When I offered her the chance to be held, she leapt into my arms and cuddled close. She was delirious with fever and couldn’t hold her own head up, but she still recognized the offer of comfort, and she chose to have her final moments held tight to my chest.

But- that’s not the only consent-based training I practiced with her, or with the various dogs at my job who struggle with the same thing.

In our training videos, you could see me tossing a treat a short distance away to encourage her to leave me. Training can put a lot of pressure on a dog, especially a dog that may be sensitive or struggle with confidence, and the tossed treat provides a “break” from expectations as it allows them to disconnect and disengage, giving them a chance to destress by sniffing, shaking, or running around a bit before returning to you. My general rule of thumb is that if I toss the treat and the dog does not immediately return for more training, they are asking for space or even for a longer break. This is a bit different if the dog is simply distracted by its surroundings- for those, I will encourage them to come back by calling them. But more and more I have found that these sensitive dogs actually develop more and more tolerance to that pressure, because they are allowed to back off when they feel overwhelmed, and rejoin you when they feel more confident. Of course, it is key to keep your training lighthearted and fun regardless, but especially so with these sensitive dogs that need a little extra boost. No one likes learning that feels like a chore.

Another thing I do is during playtime. If I begin to suspect someone is getting too aroused or overwhelmed, I remove the aggressor from the situation and bring them a few feet away. If the recipient does not want to continue the interaction or needs space, they typically will walk away. If instead they come bounding over to harass the aggressor to rejoin play, then the game was fun and everyone was having a good time. If I have removed someone too late for a peaceable interaction (ie: I stepped in as aggressive corrections began happening), then both are taken aside to calm down before being re-released to opposite ends of the play area and they are monitored closely to ensure their next meeting and interaction does not result in a grudge match. I frequently use a three-strikes method with this- you get three chances to not be a giant dick before playtime is over. After that point, you may watch (if you are quiet), but you are outside of the play area and on leash. Very rarely do I need to employ that method more than once before the dog in question connects that dickish behavior = no more fun, and it keeps everyone else safe in the mean time. More often I have dogs that learn how to play appropriately, respond to social cues and minor corrections well, and to alter their play to suit a variety of partners and groups.

I also do this with human-to-dog playtime! Tiki loved biting and wrestling hands, and once again especially with a smaller or more sensitive or less confident dog, it’s easy to accidentally overwhelm or scare or hurt your dog without realizing it. To prevent this, I do push the dog away during a wrestle match. If the dog bounces away from me, or continues to bounce but holds a position just out of reach, then generally that is a cue that they were becoming overwhelmed and need a moment to recover. If the dog immediately pounces on my hands again, then once again the game was fun and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Dogs cannot speak English or any other human language. That’s not to say they don’t understand us, but their ability to say these words are so limited that outside of a handful of studies we truly haven’t seen too many instances of dogs communicating with words we humans can understand. That does not at all mean they cannot consent. I frequently ask the dogs “do you want ___” or similar. While yes, most of the things I ask them are things I’ve built up very positive associations with- a walk, a cookie, their dinner, to go play- the fact remains that all of the dogs in the house are used to hearing us ask if they desire something. Before I give Creed a cookie, I ask if he wants it. Before I take him to potty, I ask if that’s what he needs. Before I offer him something to sniff, I ask if he wants to. There are, in fact, times where I give him something and he spits it out. I ask him, “do you want ___” and sometimes he really does walk away. No, he didn’t want that right now.

It can sound silly, asking dogs what they want, asking for consent, things like that. But it’s also not as difficult of a concept as one might think! Having seen so many dogs aided by these methods and more, I can’t imagine going back to force a dog to do something (non-essential) it genuinely didn’t want to do. What exactly is the harm in allowing your little dog to say no sometimes to being picked up? What exactly is the harm in allowing your sensitive dog to say it needs a break from training? What exactly is the harm in allowing your dog to say it needs a moment to calm down while playing? The harm in not allowing these things is the very real prospect of getting bitten. Allowing them? Don’t really see any negative side-effects.

[veterinaryshitposting]

From one of the best, Dr Dean Scott:

"How to Approach a Veterinarian

Much study has been done on the behaviors of veterinarians. However, many negative outcomes can be mitigated if people can successfully navigate the initial encounter. Fumbling this can lead to an ever-spiraling downward trend of negative reinforcement. People need to understand that many veterinarians they meet are rescues. They have been abused, endured poor living conditions and general neglect. Which is what makes it critical to approach properly when encountering this fragile, yet equally durable, species.

The first rule is: Never approach a veterinarian in the wild. They are easily spooked and will bolt. Even if you are familiar to them, they may not recognize you in a different setting which induces anxiety and causes them to shy away. Should you see them from afar, just continue about your business and act as if you have not seen them. If you should stumble upon them suddenly, simply smile and move away as naturally as possible. In either situation, the veterinarian’s instinctive avoidance response will kick in and you will in most instances not see them again.

Never approach a veterinarian where they nest. Doing so can trigger aggression as they are very territorial in a domestic setting. In extreme circumstances, encroachment on their habitat may prompt them to relocate to a safer environment.

One of the most common ways you may encounter a veterinarian spontaneously is in a social setting. Because of their biology, both physiological and behavioral, this is a rare event and needs to be treated delicately. Should you become aware of the presence of a veterinarian within a social group here are some of the steps you need to take depending on circumstances.

The best rule is to let them approach you first. Be aware that this may not happen and you should not feel disappointed if this occurs. However, if you feel compelled, as many do because they are such a captivating and fascinating species, first establish if the veterinarian has a handler, whether they be a significant other or family member. If so, ask permission from the handler to approach the veterinarian. Do not make eye contact. Do not make any abrupt moves. Speak in a calm and soothing manner. Do not invade their space unsolicited. Turn sideways as to make yourself less threatening. Do not get between them and the nearest exit. Offer treats such as coffee, chocolate, donuts, pizza, etc. if available. Be continually aware of their behavior and body-language so you can stop the interaction if they become restless or agitated. If they wander off mid-sentence, do not pursue them. If you follow these rules, you may be rewarded with more frequent and lengthier encounters. Or you may not. Be happy with the boon of time that you had.

One of the less obvious rules when seeing veterinarians in a social setting (which includes, but is not limited to social media, parties, bar mitzvahs, funerals, baby showers, traffic accidents, public bathrooms, etc.) is what subjects are safe to discuss. The simplest way to put this is: do not discuss anything about veterinary medicine or animals, no matter how tempted you may be. And if your only reason for approaching a veterinarian is to speak about such things, please see above rule regarding veterinarians in the wild. Ignoring the subject-rule will shorten your encounter with a veterinarian, in which you may witness anything from passive-aggressive behavior to full flight. A fleeing veterinarian can attain speeds of up to 16 mph for short distances. Definitely do not bring up other encounters you have had with members of the veterinary species. Veterinarians are both very protective and jealous of one another, so there is no safe avenue of discourse. And in case you didn’t know, a group of veterinarians is called a convention.

Many veterinarian-watchers will, of course, tell you the best place to view them is in their natural environment. They are very predictable in the hours and location in which they forage for a living. Many of the same rules apply as in the social setting, though there are a few more that will add to a positive encounter. Because the veterinarian is in a more controlled environ, they will be more vocal and prone to “display” behavior that you might not see elsewhere. It is best to nod at appropriate times and listen attentively. This will encourage the veterinarian and reward the viewer with a variety of spontaneous and delightful actions. Trained veterinarian-watchers will tell you there is much to be learned from veterinarians when encounters on their home-turf are handled properly.

We hope you find these observations useful and should you wish to add your own positive encounters, please feel free at #IJustSawAVetAndILikedIt"

[lizacstuff]

What did you think of the latest SCK episode? I’m torn. There were some really good scenes, but \insert annoyed sigh\ there was also Celine.

Actually, I really enjoyed it. I watched it last night and then immediately rewatched. There was so much Edser goodness and enough emotional movement that it kept the shipper in me happy even though I am dying for resolution to the secret.  

I'll get to Selin and all the delicious Eda/Serkan down below, but I have to give props to some of the side stories this ep. Erdeem humor is hit or miss for me, but this episode it was a hit. The entire montage of the security camera footage had me laughing out loud. Literal, loud belly laughs, my neighbors could probably hear me. The whole scene was gold from the hilarious footage to the reactions. Erdeem was probably the best, but shout out to Leila photocopying herself, who doesn't want to do that? Then there was the reactions, Engin and Piril being mortified, Efe looking guilty and nervous worrying about what they were going to see, Ferit not being able to hold it together. The way he was turning and laughing sort of charmed me, I wasn't sure if that was acting, or if Cagri was breaking during the scene, or both. Either way, it worked, and I loved it. The only thing missing in the scene was Serkan, because Kerem's reaction expressions would have been amazing.

This got LONG so I’ll put the rest beneath the read more:

Loved Aydan getting out of the house and fully joining Team Edser. It's self-serving to some extent because she rightly thinks that losing Eda due to the secret is the wedge driving Serkan away from her. However, to give her props, the breakup also made her recognize how deep and real Serkan's feelings are, actually Eda's too, and I think she genuinely wants both of them to be happy. Now can we have Seyfi and Aydan actively matchmaking? This would be great after Eda finds out since I assume she's going to be angry and need time to process, so there probably won't be an immediate reconciliation. AySey to the rescue! 

Ayfer on the other hand needs to chill. Most of the time her end advice "protect your heart" is good, but her overreactions and mocking judgements are annoying. It's got to be clear to her that Eda and Serkan love each other and are working through some things, and there is no need for her to wade into it constantly. Eda is an adult and can make her own decisions and mistakes.  As for the other couples Engin and Piril can be funny, but I have no idea what they see in each other and could not be more mismatched so I'm not sure where it's going. As for Ceren and Ferit, I don't understand what Ferit did to upset her throughout the episode, I don't think he did either, but he was sweet about it. I like him more and more. And welcome back Melo! A breath of fresh air.

Now on to the best stuff. The number of heart-felt declarations this episode between Eda and Serkan warmed my cold, icy heart. The fact that they are broken up, but at the same time are at the point of just letting their feelings hang out there for the other to see is super fun to watch.  

Eda believing in Serkan when no one else did, and then being determined to find out what happened and bring the culprit to justice is as romantic as it gets. You go, girl! She might be so mad at him, and so annoyed at him, or even feeling hurt, but at the end of the day she is gonna be in his corner no matter what. That's love. 

Serkan on the other hand. Serkan, Serkan, Serkan. He can't have her around, but he also can't be apart from her. The poor dear is being pulled in half by a tornado created by his own intense desire to be with her fighting against his noble intentions. It's not fair to Eda at all, but his see-sawing should give her every indication that he loves her and is wrestling with something huge. For his part, I hope he's starting to catch a clue on the depth of Eda's feelings. "You want me to leave, because you're afraid of the woman who loves you  more than anything."  Seriously. Seriously!?!!? Wow. She'd never told him she loved him, just that their feelings were mutual. He's always feared that he doesn't deserve her and she'll get tired of him. Well she's standing there, with a broken heart and a bruised ego after he took Selin's side, and still telling him that she loves him more than anyone. He also looked absolutely wrecked, as he should, when she said he had just discarded her. He never wanted her to feel that way. 

On the other hand, I'm not sure Eda fully digested some of his avowals. "I only trust you." HUGE. Eps 7-9 told us everything we need to know about his trust issues. He loves easier than he trusts. We knew how much he loves her, but now we know not only does he trust her, she's the only one he trusts. Swoon. That was huge for him to admit, Eda, HUGE. But also, "I have never valued anyone as much as you." Once again, huge and a huge breakup fail. I don't blame Eda for not realizing the full weight of these declarations, he says them, but they're apart. Still, you take those and add to the way he can't stay away from her, how he's personally invested in her professionally, actively mentoring her, the password (oh man did I love that), the photo, the mug. Lots of evidence of his real feelings piling up there, Eda.  

Which leads to the fact that we're at the point where the pain/gain assessment for Plan A (breaking up to protect her) is in the red. Meaning it's starting to cause more pain than it's prevented. That's where we get to Selin, because she unwittingly pushed things forward for them this episode. I'm not sure what's motivating her, because she seems like a character that would have too much pride to put herself in the position of having to watch a love sick Serkan chase around after Eda like a heartbroken puppy. However, Selin's feelings are in no way the point on this show. They simply don't matter, because in this instance she is a device. A device to ratchet up the tension between Eda and Serkan. A device to drive Eda's impulsivity and showcase a bit of her jealousy. A device to show that Serkan is so far gone over Eda, he doesn't even notice another woman vying for his attention. Also it gave us this:

"I never loved Selin."

Okay, Serkan. I DIED. Like we been knew, but know we KNOW, and we know that he knows. His relationship with Selin was 100% habit and convenience. That also pretty much tells us that Eda is his first and only real love, which makes the way it's changed him so tangible and believable. Also, more importantly than the audience knowing he never loved Selin, now Eda knows. I get Eda's frustration with Serkan not being annoyed at Selin, but she's missing the point that Selin is simply not important enough for him to care. She doesn't rouse any sort of emotion from him, the way he treats her is all fueled by professional duty and personal guilt. The scene in the office was unfortunate, and I wish Serkan hadn't lost his temper, (but not really because it drove their most important conversations) but Eda's impulsivity sort of led it to that place. I get why Eda suspected Selin, in her shoes I probably would have done the same thing, but I also think Serkan is not putting Selin on a pedestal by knowing that she had nothing to do with the sabotage. And Serkan getting angry was the only thing that got Eda to back down, so it was a very inelegant way of de-escalating the situation. On the plus side, it gave us Serkan trying to make things right for the rest of the episode which was amazing. I will never be over the library scene, the autumn walk scene, Eda being his first guest in the new apartment scene. çok romantik!

As for Selin, look, she's ANNOYING. I'm right there with you. The character is entirely self-absorbed and while I think her motivations are murky at best, I think she's driven in part by competition with Eda. Eda won the war when it comes to Serkan, but Selin is still trying to take a battle or two in order to save face. On another note, she spent most of the episode knowing there was a saboteur, that Serkan suspected Efe, and still didn't put 2 and 2 together with the direct threats Efe made towards Serkan in her presence. Seriously, if something doesn't directly affect her, she can't even retain the information. What a useless lump she is. 

Thank you Aydan, for calling out how ridiculous it was that she didn't go to a hotel. I love that Selin was probably like, "Wasn't she on my side the last time I saw her?" Hilarious. Serkan allowing her to stay there, when she wouldn't have been welcome while they were together, was eyeroll inducing. But I think Selin is such a nonissue for him, that he just could not wrap his head around why it was bothering Eda so much. Also his guilt. The thing that makes the game that Serkan was playing with her forgivable, is the fact that he actually feels bad about the part he played in her life falling apart. I'm not saying it was his fault, but he rightly feels guilty. 

However, from that last scene, I think he's going to learn a hard lesson about guilt getting in the way of common sense. Eda is now ready to push him to his jealousy limit!  That final scene escalated quickly, but I think both of them were driven by a fair bit of pride combined with the frayed nerves that have to come with being broken up while they're both still currently, and obviously, in a romantic relationship with one another.

That's hard and I wholeheartedly look forward to them navigating that next episode. From the Fragman it looks like it's all finally coming to a head. Can't wait!

[aion-rsa]

15 Hardest PlayStation One Games of All-Time

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The PlayStation is fondly remembered for its classic collection of revolutionary games, advancements in 3D technology, and CD player functionality that let you easily play the Men in Black soundtrack whenever you wanted. As you’ve probably guessed from the title of this article, though, it’s also the home of some of the hardest games of the ’90s.

The PlayStation may have helped move us out of the arcade era and its notorious difficulty levels, but with the challenges of 3D game design came a new set of in-game challenges that tested a generation of gamers in ways that they simply were not prepared for.

Even after we’ve grown accustomed to the machinations and expectations of 3D game design all these years later, I suspect that many modern gamers would struggle to beat the 15 hardest PlayStation One games ever.

15. Crash Bandicoot

One of the funniest things about the release of 2017’s Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy was watching everyone suddenly remember that the Crash Bandicoot games were absurdly difficult. 

Despite their linear design, the Crash Bandicoot games demanded a level of platforming perfection that proved to be elusive enough at a time when modern video game graphics, cameras, and controls made the remakes of the Crash Bandicoot games much more accessible but was nearly impossible to achieve in the early days of PlayStation gaming.

The later Crash Bandicoot games made things slightly easier, but the first title’s combination of intentionally challenging obstacles and a few questionable design decisions make it one of the most truly difficult games of its era.

14. Fear Effect

The original Fear Effect games are awkward to play today for a lot of reasons (casual racism and strange “softcore” cutscenes, for instance), but if you find yourself struggling to make it through these titles, it’s not just because they haven’t aged especially well. Fear Effect was an incredibly difficult game even for its time.

Essentially a blend of Resident Evil-like controls, point and click adventure puzzles, and awkward stealth sequences, Fear Effect is like a Hall of Fame for the most challenging and infuriating gameplay concepts of its era. 

Fear Effect 2 might even be harder than the first game, but the nod here goes to the original for featuring one of the most uniquely difficult gaming experiences the PlayStation has to offer. 

13. Driver

22 years after its release, I’m still convinced that Driver is a prank. How else can you explain developer Reflections Interactive’s decision to make this game’s tutorial mission one of the hardest levels in video game history?

Driver’s first level requires you to complete a series of complex maneuvers in a confined space while racing against a way too short time limit. To make matters worse, the game often fails to recognize when you’ve properly completed a maneuver, which means that you might not pass the test even if you’ve somehow mastered the game’s most complex movies the first time you’re ever asked to perform them. 

If you’re one of the many who has never beaten Driver’s opening level, you may be shocked to find that there are difficulty spikes later in the game that are even more difficult than its notorious opener. At least this game is still better than the sequel. 

12. Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssey

Oddworld’s unique puzzles and strange core mechanics would have made it challenging enough for players just trying to figure out what’s expected of them, but this game goes one step further by employing some of the most unforgiving level design tactics in PlayStation history. 

Your margin for error in this game rarely rises above zero as gunfire and traps constantly threaten to end your fun. While that kind of unforgiving gameplay makes sense in something like a bullet hell title, it can be frustrating to work with in a puzzle game where your trial and error attempts are hindered by an additional series of wrong moves. 

Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssey is clearly meant to be a difficult game, but knowing that doesn’t make it feel any less unforgiving. 

11. Rayman

As strange as it may seem given the evolution of the franchise over the years, the original Rayman is by far one of the hardest games of the ‘90s and arguably one of the hardest platformer games ever made. 

Unlike other platformers that challenge you with rewarding gameplay that requires precision movements, most of Rayman’s challenges can be best described as “bulls***.” The slippery slopes and spiked pits spread generously throughout levels might kill you, but the game’s bizarre enemy spawning system that makes it practically impossible to anticipate their placement certainly will. 

If Rayman isn’t one of the hardest games ever made its certainty among the most frustrating. 

10. Vagrant Story

For years, fans have called Vagrant Story one of the most underrated PlayStation games and one of the most overlooked RPGs ever made. It deserves both those titles, but I think Vagrant Story also deserves to be remembered as an absurdly difficult epic. 

Initially, the challenge of Vagrant Story comes from learning its unique combat system that often leaves you feeling helpless. Even after you’ve made sense of the basics, Vagrant Story’s brutal bosses, clever traps, and even “basic” enemies will constantly make you wonder whether or not you can ever really master what this game throws at you. 

Like Dark Souls, Vagrant Story’s difficulty is very much part of what makes the game work as well as it does. Appreciating that doesn’t make the game any easier, though. 

9. Heart of Darkness

Never heard of Heart of Darkness? I’m not surprised. Even for its time, this was a relatively obscure title that is now fondly remembered for its visuals, excellent story, and interesting gameplay. Mostly, though, Heart of Darkness is remembered for its nearly unrivaled difficulty spikes.  

In fact, Heart of Darkness could give Driver a run for its money in the battle between games with the most absurdly difficult opening levels. Enemies swarm you in this opening section like you’re playing a bullet hell shooter, but the game controls like a particularly clunky FMV puzzler. Even if you know what you’re doing, it’s incredibly difficult to respond to the on-screen action in time. 

Things get slightly better from there, but I’d still say that most gamers will not have the patience for this game’s labyrinth levels, bewildering puzzles, and often painful controls. 

8. Blasto

To be fair to Blasto, this PS1 action game was probably released a generation before technology could properly support it. In another timeline, it might have turned out to be as good as the first Ratchet and Clank game. To be even fairer to Blasto, it starred the late Phil Hartman who always went above and beyond for everything he did, including the voice work for this game. 

With all of that out of the way, let’s focus on Blasto’s real reputation as one of the PS1’s most reliable sources of broken controllers. It’s bad enough that this game’s slow movements and dodgy camera make even basic sections challenging, but the fact that many levels have no barriers to speak of means you spend most of your time falling to your death while trying to complete even simple jumps. 

This is a truly painful gaming experience that snared many unsuspecting gamers with its charm and front-loaded good ideas. 

Read more

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By Matthew Byrd

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15 Hardest SNES Games of All-Time

By Matthew Byrd

7. Einhander

While not the most difficult 2D shoot ‘em up ever made, Einhander was high-profile enough to lure in many early PS1 adopters who were completely unprepared for its retro difficulty level. 

Rather than throw as many enemies at you as possible and call it a day, Einhander increases the health pool of the average enemy while requiring you to navigate some truly devastating death zones. The impact of that design decision really comes thorugh in the game’s boss fights which task you with taking down massive foes who employ complex and shifting attack strategies. 

This is a truly great game that stands the test of time, but don’t let its looks and sounds convince you that Einhander is anything less than a classic example of “NES hard.” 

6. Irritating Stick

Yes, the game’s title gives its difficulty level away, but to truly appreciate how frustrating Irritating Stick is, you’ve got to play it for yourself. 

Irritating Stick is like a blend of Super Monkey Ball and the board game Operation. It requires you to guide a small ball through a series of themed mazes that leave you almost no room to safely maneuver. To make matters worse, you have to race against a constantly ticking clock that’s absurd restrictions essentially require you to truly master this game within a few levels. Of course, true mastery may not be possible for most players as each level seems to add a new wrinkle that makes you wonder how you will ever get through in time. 

Oh, and I have to give a special shout-out to the game’s announcer who screams “Watch out, you’re too close to the edge!” whenever you’re near the game’s barriers. Yes, I know I’m too close to the edge, now kindly leave me the **** alone. 

5. Incredible Crisis

Remember that scene in Metal Gear Solid when you had to mash the Circle button to survive the torture device until it felt like your wrist was going to break? Well, imagine that scene stretched out across most of a full game. That’s Incredible Crisis. 

Incredible Crisis is a collection of eclectic minigames that often require you to mash buttons as fast as humanly possible. Actually, I take that back. No human can be expected to survive this gauntlet of finger destroying terror. Oh, and if a minigame doesn’t require you to furiously mash buttons, that means it’s only going to destroy you in some other strange way. 

The bizarre set of skills required to beat this game means that it may even frustrate gamers who otherwise seek such challenges.

4. Tomb Raider 3

Yes, the first two Tomb Raider games are difficult. However, part of their challenge (especially today) stems from their ambitious design which was often ahead of what you could reasonably expect from video game technology at the time. 

Tomb Raider 3 is on a different (difficulty) level, though. Even if the game didn’t add a ridiculous number of spikes, boulders, pits, and traps waiting to end your run before you know they’re there, its bewildering level design that tried to recreate the experience of having no idea what you’re doing in the middle of a dark tomb has broken even diehard series fans. 

Despite its better moments and incredible pedigree, it’s genuinely hard to recommend this game to anyone but masochists. I genuinely don’t know if it’s possible to beat this game without a strategy guide or walkthrough. 

3. Nightmare Creatures

There’s a degree to which early PlayStation games were fundamentally unprepared to handle the challenges of 3D action/adventure game design. That means that any additional difficulties added to that underlying level of challenge make some games of that era nearly impossible to properly play today. 

I guess that’s just my way of saying that Nightmare Creatures is indeed the nightmare it bills itself as. What would already be a challenging romp through a hellish world of monsters is made that much worse by the presence of an adrenaline system that effectively serves as a time limit and forces you to kill enemies as quickly as possible despite often being unprepared for them in every conceivable way.

Some games throw you into the water to teach you how to swim. Nightmare Creatures holds your head under the water as you lean because it fundamentally doesn’t want you to succeed.

2. Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

The “fall” of the stealth genre from mainstream gaming in recent years has long disappointed genre fans who rank such games among their favorites of all-time. Yet, it has to be acknowledged that even the best stealth games were often difficult in a way that could immediately dissuade even tested gamers. 

While difficulty is a given in many stealth titles, Tenchu sometimes abuses the privilege by going out of your way to remind you that you are weak. Maybe it’s because many of us were just excited to play a game where we were a badass ninja assassin, but the way that Tenchu required you to play it safe and employ trial-and-error tactics to survive its various challenges left many burying their hands in their face as they tried to understand what they were doing wrong. 

Even after you appreciated Tenchu for what it was and even discovered what the game expected of you, it always found a way to force you to make that little mistake that would instantly end a run. 

1. King’s Field

Is it cliche to name a game from eventual Dark Souls developer FromSoftware as the hardest PS1 title ever? For the sake of argument, let’s say it is. That doesn’t change the fact that even Dark Souls veterans will find themselves surprised by how difficult this game truly is. 

King’s Field was pretty revolutionary for its time, which means that many gamers simply didn’t know what they were supposed to be doing when they booted up this title. What the most patient PS1 gamers discovered, though, is that King’s Field is basically a rough draft of Dark Souls combined with an especially difficult dungeon crawler. Even if the game’s ambitious 3D visuals and the jank they produce didn’t create additional challenges, this title’s brutal combat, a parade of traps, confounding controls, deliberately slow pace, and complete lack of direction even made hardcore PC RPG fans wonder what this game was and why it hated them so much.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

King’s Field doesn’t hate you, but it’s a testament to what the game was going for that it’s both clearly an early look at the next 25 years of gaming and a title that will likely still challenge generations to come.

The post 15 Hardest PlayStation One Games of All-Time appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[vannahfanfics]

So Many Things

Category: General Fluff

Fandom: Atlantis- The Lost Empire

Characters: Kida

Kida’s toes kissed the mirror-smooth surface of the pond, causing little ripples to appear in the otherwise flat sheet of water with every tiny movement of her body. The dampness of the algae-coated rock seeped into the thick fabric of her clothes, keeping her body pleasantly cool as the humidity of the dense jungle trapped the volcanic heat in the artificial atmosphere. Her fingers hugged the stone edge of the cleft overlooking the idyllic cove nestled within the network of broad-leaved ferns and twisting green trees hugging the circumference of the lost city. Kida breathed in the fresh air, then sighed deeply. Blue eyes sad, she turned her face upward towards the vast stone dome that separated their city from the outside world. 

[Matim,] she mourned quietly. So many thousands of years it had been, and yet, Kida missed her mother just as much as the day she had been swallowed by the light. Kida’s father had never explained what had occurred, at least no further than the ancestors had chosen her mother to protect their people from the great cataclysm. Kida supposed that she ought to consider it an owner on her mother’s part, to be fused with the spirit energy of her ancestors to see Atlantis through the greatest catastrophe of their lifetimes. Yet, the bitter child locked away inside the princess could not help but feel that she was robbed. 

Kida exhaled again, hand curling over her heart. She always wondered if her mother could see her. Would she be proud of her? Kida dearly hoped so. She had strived endlessly to serve her people and bear the burden of royalty both proudly and properly. Yet, Kida knew in her heart that she was still painfully naïve and ignorant of many things. 

Kida clicked her tongue against her front teeth as her eyes bored into the distant stone ceiling. So long it had been since they had seen the world above, so many thousands upon thousands of years. Kida wondered what had become of the planet. Did the great flood obliterate the entire world, transforming it into an endless ocean? Were the Atlanteans, secluded deep beneath the ocean bedrock, the only living creatures sequestered to land? Or had the human race evolved into something unrecognizable and strange? Kida wondered this, among many things pertaining to the world above the stone, quite often. Her young, spirited heart, despite how much she loved Atlantis and her people, craved the unknown. That was why Kida pushed the borders of patrols to their absolute limits, creeping forward day by day despite the hesitations of the other members of the guard. One day, Kida hoped, some strange miracle would be discovered on those ventures, something foreign and exciting and new. 

[Is that selfish?] she asked aloud, though she knew her long-lost mother couldn’t answer. The Atlantean words dripped sorrowfully from her tongue in place of the mournful tears she could no longer shed. [I know that your sacrifice saved us from extinction, but…] She chewed on the inside of her cheek as she contemplated aloud. [I cannot help but admit this endless existence bores me.] Was that normal, to find complacency stifling? For her spirit to wither on the repetitive ins and outs of immortal life thriving away from the rest of the earth? In her heart, she felt that it was not so, but she still couldn’t help but feel guilty for entertaining such thoughts. Her father would surely remind her that their people are alive and thriving because of the secrecy, and searching for adventure or outsiders could only invite ruin. 

And yet… Kida gazed longingly at the mist wafting through the stalactites clinging to the cavern roof, pretending that they were instead the white, fluffy clouds she vaguely remembered meandering across the clear blue sky. She had always wondered if they were like mist, incorporeal with water droplets bursting against her skin as she waded through it, or actually of solid form, soft and yielding. She’d never know now. With a small groan, Kida pushed her cheek into her hand. She’d gone and depressed herself. She tore her eyes away from the stone heavens to focus instead on the pond, trying to cheer herself up by observing a frog on a lily pad. It licked its glassy black-and-yellow eye, croaked, and leaped into the water to vanish from sight. Kida tutted, thinking it only par for the course for how the day was progressing. 

The gentle rustling of ferns captured Kida’s attention. She turned to see a few of the other Atlantean guards pressing through the jungle, holding their elongated, wood-carved, grass-frond-covered masks at their sides.

[Princess,] one of them addressed her with a polite dip of his head. He gestured with his spear into the tangles of ferns and vines and bushes. [We are going to patrol the perimeter. Would you like to join us?] Kida nodded in affirmation and stood, retrieving her own spear and throwing her mask over her face. She tromped past them to lead the patrol party into the denseness of the jungle, trekking confidently over thin, well-worn intertwined paths to the edge of the city. With every step she took, the distant cascading of several waterfalls grew in volume, until it filled the air with a consistent, steady gushing. They strode along one of the many rivers carving through the jungle to the edge of their world, where the water would spill over the precipice to cascade down into the dizzying chasm to disappear into the thick sheet of water vapor. 

Kida’s sure feet expertly navigated over the protruding tree roots, checking the edge of the void for any signs of concerning erosion. The watery atmosphere slowly ate away at the rock, chipping it away in small places. In several instances, large chunks of the landscape had just caved in, sliding into the abyss to leave a gaping hole, like a giant had taken a bite out of the platformed city. The Atlanteans had reinforced the edges of the chasm with concrete, but even that was only temporary; as time pressed on, the water wormed its way into the pores to spread cracks and fissures across the light gray stone constructs. 

Thankfully, Kida didn’t note any alarming progression of the erosion. They tracked a swift, purposeful path to what used to be the entrance of their city, which was now a collection of large stony steppes budded with large ferns and a few small shrubby trees. Kida froze when a strange noise greeted her ears, and she quickly raised a hand to order the small scouting party to stop. Kida narrowed her eyes behind the mask when she recognized the sounds as distinctly human. 

[But how can that be?] She wondered aloud, crawly forward on all fours to lower a broad purple leaf. Several yards away, a medium-sized group of very distinct people were talking animatedly about something. Kida found herself drawn to the skinny, gangly young man with orange-brown hair and spectacles framing his eyes. Kida cocked her head to the side slightly as she regarded him, strangely fascinated by him. 

Kida jumped slightly as her fellow Atlanteans crouched down beside her and whispered feverishly, asking her what she intended to do. As fascinating as the newcomers- the answers to her prayers, really- were, she had to apprehend them before they could get into too much trouble in this new and strange land. Kida instructed the group as to how to proceed, and then, in a flash, they had the strangers surrounded. 

[Who are you strangers and where did you come from?] she demanded while brandishing her spear, pouring more malice into her tone than she felt. 

Someone shoved the skinny boy forward. He fumbled with a small, leather-bound journal and stammered a few incoherent words. Kida cocked her head slightly, watching as he struggled to regain his composure before clearing his throat. Kida’s eyes blew wide behind the carved wood as he timidly uttered a few broken phrases in Atlantean. 

[Who... are you strangers and where... do you come from?] 

[He speaks our language?] She wondered incredulously, eyes widening behind the mask. How would a surface-dweller have any knowledge of their ancient, lost culture? The man jerked and flipped open the book to hastily flip through the pages, stumbling over his words. Kida slowly lowered her spear, growing increasingly intrigued. A few enunciations and pronunciations were off, but she could largely understand what he was saying. Making a hasty decision, she removed her mask, watching as the man’s eyes widened and a blush blossomed on his cheeks. 

[Your manner of speech is strange to me,] she told him with a curious look. The man grabbed his forehead as he struggled to retrieve the proper words, hand whirling in unconscious gestures as he forced out, [I… travel… friend!] Kida repeated his words softly, a bit confused as she struggled to understand him. Inhaling deeply, he suddenly crossed his arms and flashed her a smile. He suddenly switched to a strange dialect, yet one Kida could understand perfectly. 

[So, my friend, I am a traveler!] He clarified with raised eyebrows.

[You speak the language of the Romans!] she realized with an almost accusatory look, fascinated by the sudden switch. Grinning now that he was finally getting somewhere, he keened while leaning forward, “Parlez-vous français?” Kida smiled amusedly and agreed with an impressed, “Oui, monsieur!” The others standing behind the linguist watched with various degrees of shock and confusion as the two communicated. Finally, the man exhaled satisfactorily. 

“We’re friendly travelers,” he explained with a hand splayed graciously over his small chest. “We’ve come from the surface world.” Behind her, her guards exchanged galvanized but concerned whispers. Kida ignored them, enthralled at the golden opportunity she’d literally stumbled upon. I can finally learn everything about the surface world! She thought, automatically switching to English as the group began introducing themselves. By matter of protocol, Kida would have to deliver them to her father, the King; she would take all the time she had to squeeze as much information as she could out of them. 

“Come with me,” she addressed them with a smile. “I will take you to my home. Please, follow us,” she said, gesturing into the brush with her spear. The others led the way, while Kida fell in step with them at a small distance, absorbing the peculiarities of their persons with bright, glimmering blue eyes. 

Matim, she thought with a quick glance up at the dome. There are so many things I have yet to learn, but… I think after today, I shall be a little less ignorant, no?

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

Tag List: @deliathedork��

[weaselle]

“So, my gf is new to her...polyiness (?) Tips on helping her navigate?”

Yes! This is going to be a little long, because it’s a bit “explain poly for beginners” but I’d love to, so here we go. First, thanks for giving me permission to answer your question more publicly, where it might be of interest/help to others :) Now, for YOU, I would recommend letting her lead. Since she’s new to it (but the implication is you are not) don’t push her to do or be anything specific, let her go where and when she’s comfortable. This could be tricky, as I don’t know if you have other partners already, how long the two of you have been together, how experienced in non-poly relationships she is, etc. That said, I’ll put down some stuff that helped me early on, that your GF might find helpful as well. Okay, so, everybody is different, but for me what has been extremely helpful is 1: having a base concept 2: finding comparable overlap in other kinds of relationships 3: being extremely honest about negative feelings within yourself 4: being extremely open to working within your partner(s) feelings and                    parameters (this last one is a good reminder for you as well, OP) 1: base concept when I was 16 and 17 and considering love, I wanted to find my soulmate etc etc. But I also had all these fantasies/life goals of having a lot of sexy adventures with various people throughout my life. How sad would it be if I actually did find my soulmate at 18, I thought, it would mean saying no to all that other stuff. And then I thought, but it would be sad for my partner too! Surely they also had many similar fantasies and desires - if I really loved them, I would never want to be the reason they couldn’t have as fulfilled a life as possible. Now of course, I have a much more personal and nuanced base concept I work off, but it’s still formed around that initial thought: if I really care for someone, I want them to be free to experience everything that makes them happy. I dated someone who’s concept included “it’s unfair to expect a single other person to be all the things I need” and I still think about that often, too. 2: comparable overlap in other relationships You can have several close friends, right? Remember how figuring out the “best friend” thing was weird in like, 5th or 7th grade or whatever? There were likely even some fights or fallings out over it? That’s all the same kind of jealousies and stuff you’ll deal with in a poly relationship. And hey! you learned to deal with all of that so well in friendships that it’s second nature to you now, right? Also, your partners are going to go out on dates and have sex with other partners (though oddly, for me, it’s the quiet study sessions together and things like that which have the potential to bother me more than the sex). It can be helpful to put that in the perspective of other situations. For instance, if I have a close friend, and they go to a concert with some other close friend of theirs and don’t invite me even though I like that band, I don’t get mad at them or upset or too jealous or anything... but also, I don’t necessarily enjoy hearing them talk about what a great time they had at the concert.  It’s similar with my partners and dates. I don’t need them to never talk about their other partners, but also, I don’t really need to hear details about their good times. This is helpful both for examining the way I feel about things, as well as communicating it in a way that is intrinsically understandable for my partners, and allows us to create boundaries without needing letter-of-the-law rules. 3: Be extremely honest about negative feelings within yourself. Being honest about your negative feelings is a must. My current partner is dating a woman who is a professional dominatrix, and THAT lady is married, and my partner used to date both of them simultaneously. But there were jealousy issues among them that made it not work out well; all parties are experienced in navigating these relationships, and the solution for them was that my partner no longer dates the husband (this was all before I entered the picture) When I was first in poly relationships, I discovered that it wasn’t the sex that made me jealous, it was the socio-emotional closeness. Turns out my jealousies center around a not-necessarily-healthy need to be loved THE MOST. For a long time, I dealt with this by having a Primary Partner, wherein it can be acceptable to insist on being the most important. If I was not honest about how I felt, I wouldn’t have known this was a possible solution.  These days I don’t lean on this concept so much, but I think it can be a real help for navigating trickier aspects of poly relationships, especially for beginners (for example: you have two partners, one is having a significant birthday, and one has their paintings in an art show for the first time... on the same night. If one of them is your Primary partner and you have been very clear about this, then everyone already knows which event you will be attending). 4: be extremely open to working within your partners’ parameters. This one is also a reminder for you, Questioner. The idea is to be willing to explore your own limits of what you can be happy with, while at the same time being willing to observe the boundaries your partner(s) have. Part of this is recognizing and communicating your own boundaries. Part of it is being open to and respectful of your partners needs. This one is pretty straight forward. hope this has been of any use, good luck and have fun!

[scifigeneration]

Sci-fi movies are the secret weapon that could help Silicon Valley grow up

by Andrew Maynard

If you don’t want to be facing down an angry dinosaur, pay attention to what happens on screen. Universal Pictures

If there’s one line that stands the test of time in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic “Jurassic Park,” it’s probably Jeff Goldblum’s exclamation, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”

Goldblum’s character, Dr. Ian Malcolm, was warning against the hubris of naively tinkering with dinosaur DNA in an effort to bring these extinct creatures back to life. Twenty-five years on, his words are taking on new relevance as a growing number of scientists and companies are grappling with how to tread the line between “could” and “should” in areas ranging from gene editing and real-world “de-extinction” to human augmentation, artificial intelligence and many others.

Despite growing concerns that powerful emerging technologies could lead to unexpected and wide-ranging consequences, innovators are struggling with how to develop beneficial new products while being socially responsible. Part of the answer could lie in watching more science fiction movies like “Jurassic Park.”

Just because you can…. Universal Pictures

Hollywood lessons in societal risks

I’ve long been interested in how innovators and others can better understand the increasingly complex landscape around the social risks and benefits associated with emerging technologies. Growing concerns over the impacts of tech on jobs, privacy, security and even the ability of people to live their lives without undue interference highlight the need for new thinking around how to innovate responsibly.

New ideas require creativity and imagination, and a willingness to see the world differently. And this is where science fiction movies can help.

Sci-fi flicks are, of course, notoriously unreliable when it comes to accurately depicting science and technology. But because their plots are often driven by the intertwined relationships between people and technology, they can be remarkably insightful in revealing social factors that affect successful and responsible innovation.

This is clearly seen in “Jurassic Park.” The movie provides a surprisingly good starting point for thinking about the pros and cons of modern-day genetic engineering and the growing interest in bringing extinct species back from the dead. But it also opens up conversations around the nature of complex systems that involve both people and technology, and the potential dangers of “permissionless” innovation that’s driven by power, wealth and a lack of accountability.

Similar insights emerge from a number of other movies, including Spielberg’s 2002 film “Minority Report” – which presaged a growing capacity for AI-enabled crime prediction and the ethical conundrums it’s raising – as well as the 2014 film “Ex Machina.”

Movie geniuses always have blind spots that viewers can hopefully learn from. Universal Pictures International

As with “Jurassic Park,” “Ex Machina” centers around a wealthy and unaccountable entrepreneur who is supremely confident in his own abilities. In this case, the technology in question is artificial intelligence.

The movie tells a tale of an egotistical genius who creates a remarkable intelligent machine – but he lacks the awareness to recognize his limitations and the risks of what he’s doing. It also provides a chilling insight into potential dangers of creating machines that know us better than we know ourselves, while not being bound by human norms or values.

The result is a sobering reminder of how, without humility and a good dose of humanity, our innovations can come back to bite us.

The technologies in “Jurassic Park,” “Minority Report” and “Ex Machina” lie beyond what is currently possible. Yet these films are often close enough to emerging trends that they help reveal the dangers of irresponsible, or simply naive, innovation. This is where these and other science fiction movies can help innovators better understand the social challenges they face and how to navigate them.

Real-world problems worked out on-screen

In a recent op-ed in The New York Times, journalist Kara Swisher asked, “Who will teach Silicon Valley to be ethical?” Prompted by a growing litany of socially questionable decisions amongst tech companies, Swisher suggests that many of them need to grow up and get serious about ethics. But ethics alone are rarely enough. It’s easy for good intentions to get swamped by fiscal pressures and mired in social realities.

Elon Musk has shown that brilliant tech innovators can take ethical missteps along the way. AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Technology companies increasingly need to find some way to break from business as usual if they are to become more responsible. High-profile cases involving companies like Facebook and Uber as well as Tesla’s Elon Musk have highlighted the social as well as the business dangers of operating without fully understanding the consequences of people-oriented actions.

Many more companies are struggling to create socially beneficial technologies and discovering that, without the necessary insights and tools, they risk blundering about in the dark.

For instance, earlier this year, researchers from Google and DeepMind published details of an artificial intelligence-enabled system that can lip-read far better than people. According to the paper’s authors, the technology has enormous potential to improve the lives of people who have trouble speaking aloud. Yet it doesn’t take much to imagine how this same technology could threaten the privacy and security of millions – especially when coupled with long-range surveillance cameras.

Developing technologies like this in socially responsible ways requires more than good intentions or simply establishing an ethics board. People need a sophisticated understanding of the often complex dynamic between technology and society. And while, as Mozilla’s Mitchell Baker suggests, scientists and technologists engaging with the humanities can be helpful, it’s not enough.

Movies are an easy way into a serious discipline

The “new formulation” of complementary skills Baker says innovators desperately need already exists in a thriving interdisciplinary community focused on socially responsible innovation. My home institution, the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University, is just one part of this.

Experts within this global community are actively exploring ways to translate good ideas into responsible practices. And this includes the need for creative insights into the social landscape around technology innovation, and the imagination to develop novel ways to navigate it.

Here is where science fiction movies become a powerful tool for guiding innovators, technology leaders and the companies where they work. Their fictional scenarios can reveal potential pitfalls and opportunities that can help steer real-world decisions toward socially beneficial and responsible outcomes, while avoiding unnecessary risks.

People love to come together as a movie audience. The National Archives UK, CC BY

And science fiction movies bring people together. By their very nature, these films are social and educational levelers. Look at who’s watching and discussing the latest sci-fi blockbuster, and you’ll often find a diverse cross-section of society. The genre can help build bridges between people who know how science and technology work, and those who know what’s needed to ensure they work for the good of society.

This is the underlying theme in my new book “Films from the Future: The Technology and Morality of Sci-Fi Movies.” It’s written for anyone who’s curious about emerging trends in technology innovation and how they might potentially affect society. But it’s also written for innovators who want to do the right thing and just don’t know where to start.

Of course science fiction films alone aren’t enough to ensure socially responsible innovation. But they can help reveal some profound societal challenges facing technology innovators and possible ways to navigate them. And what better way to learn how to innovate responsibly than to invite some friends round, open the popcorn and put on a movie?

It certainly beats being blindsided by risks that, with hindsight, could have been avoided.

About The Author:

Andrew Maynard is Director of the Risk Innovation Lab at Arizona State University.

This article is republished from our content partners at The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

[thesimplyluxuriouslife]

225: Trust the Transition: How to Step Through and Embrace the Change You Seek

“Times of transition are strenuous but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits. We can make our new normal any way we want.” —Kristin Armstrong, three-time Olympic gold medalist - road cycling

As September arrives I find myself torn between the schedule I love during the summer months and the rigorous schedule I know that awaits me with school's commencement. 

It doesn't mean I don't enjoy what the new school year brings - new students, new connections, an energy of excitement and curiosity that is a large part of why I love teaching, but when any transition knocks on our door, if we are happy with where we are, it is hard to welcome it in. No matter what amazing opportunities it may be bringing as a hostess gift. 

In such a scenario where there is the gift of what we have loved and the potential for something awesome to be revealed as we go through the transition that is letting us know, that just the way it is, if we shift our perspective to one of gratitude, the moving through and forward becomes easier. 

How fortunate are any one of us to not remain stagnant? Think for a moment about a stagnant individual. They may feel safe, they may feel certain, but such certainty is false. After all, as children the reason it is imperative that we learn how to communicate, how to care for our bodies and feed our minds is to initially survive, but then to thrive and enrich our lives. This momentum, this way of life is a good way to live our entire lives. Why? Because the world never stops shifting, progressing and offering opportunities to improve. Never.

It can be tempting as adults when we think we have figured it all out to slow down, and even stop and just be. This is not to say we shouldn't relax from time to time, find a healthier balance, etc., but so long as a new generation is graduating, growing up and trying to find their place in the world, there will always be new ideas, and often, so long as we remain nimble, we can benefit from them as well, and even partake in the sharing of knowledge.

Part of a civilized society is knowing how to move and work together with a diverse breadth of people, and along the way enabling all to find their way without taking away the basic rights of any human being who is living consciously and respectfully of others. 

With all of this said, transitions can be scary or exciting, exhilarating and even full of learning opportunities. It is simply a manner of how we view them. Today I'd like to share with you eight ways to step into and through any transition that you may be confronted with at the moment, and even go so far as to embrace it. 

Grasp the reason for the difficulty

Psychologist Shannon Kolakowaki points out that a significant reason for the difficulty of any transition in which are lives are changing as we once knew them is because our identity, how we may have defined ourselves or were seen by others, is changing.

Recognize the power you are giving the transition to affect your emotions

Psychology Today reminds that there isn't a predefined type of transition that is harder than another. We give a transition the power of either being difficult or easy to maneuver through. In other words, our minds play a crucial role in how we approach the changes we are going through. 

If we choose to see the transition as an opportunity or a goal we have worked long and hard for, such change would be reason to become excited; however, if it is a change that is thrust upon us, we can drag our feet and make it even more difficult by fighting what is inevitable. 

Honor the transition

Any life transition, whether it is relocating to a new city, moving through a divorce or going through menopause benefits being recognized for playing a role in our life journey. As Sonia Choquette shared in our conversation about her own divorce after more than 20 years, she wasn't angry at her ex, but rather appreciative for the love and time that was shared, but also observant that it was time to move forward. 

One of the hardest transitions in nearly everyone's life has been found to be the relocation from a home we have felt safe in or found great peace. During such times of transition, pay homage in your own unique way in order to provide closure, but also to celebrate the time you spent and the memories that will forever be with you. 

Become a great student of the transition that awaits

When you know a transition is in your future, perhaps transitioning from college to a career or from a career to retirement, become a student of the transition you will inevitably go through. By learning all that you can, you maximize the experience, enabling it be as positive as possible.

Reflect and remind

Everyone goes through some type of transition throughout their lives, and often many. If we take a moment, we probably have moved through some transitions quite effortlessly because we didn't think twice or try to fight it. But on the flip-side, there were inevitably transitions we can remember vividly - during adolescence, making career changes, making relationship changes, making lifestyle changes.

As you go through the transition you are in at the moment or will be in due time, reflect on those transitions that went well for you. And even regarding those that were hard, assess why they were hard and how you can change what was in your control to improve the next transition in your life.

Celebrate the opportunity for a rebirth of sorts

Whether the transition is something you want or something you'd prefer not to have to go through, shift your perspective. Something as common as getting older, shift how you perceive "getting older". As we are seeing today, those in their fifties and sixties are far from what I recall of generations past in the same decade. With more knowledge, comes better ways of living and improving the quality of one's experience. In such an instance, celebrate all the experience and knowledge you have acquired and keep using those tools to learn more, explore more and enrich your life even more as well. 

Surround yourself with positive energy

Maybe you have children who are leaving home for college which opens up your schedule, maybe you are moving into a different line of work - taking on more responsibility, maybe you are returning from a life-changing experience and want to transition into a new way of living. Whatever your transition is, step fully into it and spend time with those who will support you along your new path.

As there will be times of excitement where new adventures and experiences have your full attention, there will also be times when you question what you have chosen to do (or if not chosen, question if you can be as happy as you once were). In these moments, having people that will be understanding of your journey, but not wallow and wax nostalgic about the past, wishing in some small way, that the way it was would return, is imperative to navigating successfully through these hiccups that are inevitable. 

The good news is that they will subside, but perhaps never entirely disappear. After all, that is a good thing, in my opinion, as it means your journey has been rich, memorable and deeply and intensely lived fully. 

Trust that what is not being revealed is worth seeing and experiencing

Even when we do step eagerly toward a new way of living, we can begin to doubt that we made the right decision. When in fact, what you are feeling is probably fear rather than doubt (read this post - The Difference Between Being Scared and Having Doubts). And if you are feeling fear, it is actually good sign as it an indication that you are indeed living a life that is true to your most authentic self. Why? Because what you are feeling in that moment is a deep ache for what you wish you attain, or a way of living you wish to make your own. If you didn't want it, if you didn't believe in it, you wouldn't be fearful that it wouldn't happen. 

The universe will not tell us how it will all work out. Nope, that is where faith in yourself, trust in your instincts about what is best for you and what you are willing to work for comes into play. 

Transitions are opportunities. If we shift our perspective to accept this, the journey through them becomes far easier to navigate and even at times quite pleasurable to enjoy. 

SIMILAR POSTS/EPISODES FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Why Not . . . Extinguish Self-Doubt?

Why to Do When You Don't Know How the Future Will Unfold, episode #205

How to Let Go of Self-Imposed Limitations, #186

~The Simply Luxurious Kitchen has begun its first season! View the first episode here and tune in each Saturday morning during September and October for a new episode.

~Sign up for TSLL's Weekly Newsletter

Petit Plaisir:

~Visit your favorite local bakery to pick up a fresh loaf of bread for the week. 

Whether you enjoy toast in the morning (such as avocado toast), bread for sandwiches for lunch or bread with dinner, knowing it is homemade and a varietal you love welcomes a simple extra flavor to your week.

-my weekly fresh bread pick-up at a favorite local bakery in Bend (I often pick up my loaf bi-weekly as I freeze half of the loaf)~

~my favorite loaf from the bakery - Black Butte Porter - in use with my breakfast avocado toast (recipe here)-

Sponsor for Today's Episode:

Care/Of

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Blinkist

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~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #225 ~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube | Spotify

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[unlockcoding]

How To Speak Korean Language - Korean Language For Beginners

How To Speak Korean Language

Hello Guys, Today we know how to speak Korean Language for beginners. Korean is the official language of South Korea, North Korea, and China's Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (For Speaking and Written), and it is the dominant community language of the Korean diaspora, spanning Uzbekistan to Japan to Canada. it's a desirable and sophisticated language of debated origins yet rich in history, culture, and wonder. Whether you're planning a vacation to the Korean World, trying to reconnect together with your heritage, or simply enjoy learning new languages, follow these simple steps to Know (How to speak Korean Language) speaking Korean and you will soon get on your thanks to fluency! Learn Hangeul (Korean), the Korean alphabet. The alphabet may be a good place to start out when you're learning to talk Korean, especially if you hope to reach reading and writing afterward. Korean features a fairly simple alphabet, although it's going to seem strange to most English speakers initially because it's completely different than the Roman alphabet.

How to learn Korean language

Hangeul (Korean) was created during the Joseon Dynasty in 1443. Hangeul (Korean) has 24 letters, consisting of 14 consonants and 10 vowels. However, if you include 16 diphthongs and double consonants, there are 40 letters in total. Korean also uses around 3,000 Chinese characters, or Hanja, to represent words of Chinese origin. Unlike Japanese Kanji, Korean Hanja are utilized in more limited contexts like academic writing, religious (Buddhist) texts, dictionaries, newspaper headlines, classical and pre-WWII Korean literature, and family names. In North Korea, the utilization of Hanja is nearly non-existent. Learn to count. Knowing the way to count is an important skill in any language. Counting in Korean is often tricky, as Koreans use two different sets of cardinal numbers, counting on the situation: Korean and Sino-Korean, which originated from Chinese and has a number of its characters. Use the Korean form for numbers of things (between 1 and 99) and age, e.g. 2 children, 5 bottles of beer, 27 years old. Ending consonants aren't aspirated, meaning there's no ending breath at the top of the syllable.  How To Learn Telugu – Understanding Telugu Vocabulary and Grammar What is Python? | What is Python used for | How to learn Python How To Study Faster: 50 Tricks to study Faster and More Effectively How to Play Guitar – Learn to Play Guitar How To Block Or Unblock Someone On Facebook: Android & Desktop

How To Speak Korean Alphabet

Here's the way to count to 10 within the Korean form : One = 하나 pronounced "hana" Two = 둘 pronounced "dul" Three = 셋 pronounced "set Four = 넷 pronounced "ne(t)" Five = 다섯 pronounced "da-seo(t)" Six = 여섯 pronounced "yeo-seo(t)" Seven = 일곱 pronounced "il-gob" Eight = 여덟 pronounced "yeo-deolb" Nine = 아홉 pronounced "ahob" Ten = 열 pronounced "yeol" Use the Sino-Korean form for dates, money, addresses, phone numbers, and numbers above 100.  Here's the way to count to 10 in Sino-Korean : One = 일 pronounced "il" Two = 이 pronounced "ee" Three = 삼 pronounced "sam" Four = 사 pronounced "sa" Five = 오 pronounced "oh" Six = 육 pronounced "yug" Seven = 칠 pronounced "chil" Eight = 팔 pronounced "pal" Nine = 구 pronounced "gu" Ten = 십 pronounced "sib"

Learn Basic Korean language

Memorize simple vocabulary. the broader the vocabulary you've got at your disposal, the better it's to talk a language fluently. Familiarize yourself with as many simple, everyday Korean words as possible - you will be surprised at how quickly they build up! When you hear a word in English, believe how you'd say it in Korean. If you do not know what it's, jot it down and appearance it up later. It's handy to stay a touch notebook on you in the least times for this purpose. Attach little Korean labels to items around your house, like the mirror, the cocktail table, and therefore the dish. you will see the words so often that you're going to learn them without realizing it! It is important to find out a word or phrase from ‘Korean to English’ also as ‘English to Korean.’ That way you'll remember the way to say it, not just recognize it once you hear it.

Learn To Speak Korean in 15 minutes

Learn some basic conversational phrases. By learning the fundamentals of polite conversation, you'll very quickly be ready to interact with Korean-speakers on an easy level. Try learning the words/phrases for: Hello = 안녕 pronounced "anyeong" (in an off-the-cuff way) and "anyeong-haseyo" during a formal way. Yes = 네 pronounced "ne" in any situation where you'd be speaking formally, or 응 "eung" if you're speaking with someone informally. No = 아니요 pronounced "aniyo" Thank you = 감사합니다 pronounced "gam-sa-hab-nee-da" My name is... = 저는 ___ 입니다 pronounced "joneun ___ imnida" but the sentence "내 이름은 ___ 예요" pronounced "nae ileumeun ____yeyo" also can be used. How are you? = 어떠십니까? pronounced "otto-sib-nikka" Pleased to satisfy you = 만나서 반가워요 pronounced "mannaso bangawo-yo" Goodbye when other party is staying = 안녕히 계세요 pronounced "an-nyounghi kye-sayo" Goodbye when other party or both of you're leaving = 안녕히 가세요 pronounced "an-nyounghi ga-seyo" Understand the sorts of polite speech. it's important to find out the difference between the degrees of ritual in Korean speech. Korean differs from English therein verb endings change counting on the age and rank of the person being addressed, also because the social setting. it's important to know how speech formality functions, so as to properly navigate polite speech. There are three major types within the degrees of formality: Informal - wont to address people of an equivalent age or younger, especially among close friends. Polite - wont to address people older than the speaker, a stranger, or a co-worker. it's utilized in formal social situations. Honorific - utilized in very formal settings like on the news or within the army. Rarely utilized in normal speech.

How to say I speak Korean Language

Study basic grammar. so as to talk any language correctly, it's necessary to review the grammar particular thereto language. There are several distinct differences between English grammar and Korean grammar, for example: Korean uses the topic - object - verb order, and therefore the verb always comes at the top of the sentence. In Korean, it's pretty common to omit the topic of a sentence when the topic being mentioned is understood by both the readers and therefore the speakers. the topic of the sentence could also be inferred from the context or may are mentioned in an earlier sentence. In Korean, adjectives function like verbs therein they will be altered and should combat different forms to point the tense of a sentence. Work on your pronunciation. Korean pronunciation is vastly different from English, and it takes tons of practice to be ready to pronounce words correctly.

How to learn Korean language fast

One of the main mistakes English speakers make is to assume that the pronunciation of Romanized Korean letters is just like an equivalent letter's pronunciation when speaking English. Unfortunately for language learners, this is often not the case. it's best to not learn with romanization because it slows your learning.

In English, whenever a word ends during a consonant, the speaker always makes a touch sound after saying that last letter. it's very faint and difficult to listen to for an individual with a ‘non-Korean ear’ to listen to . for instance , when an English speaker says “ship” there's a small sound of breath following the ‘p’ when their mouth opens. In Korean, they are doing not have that final ‘breath’ sound, as they only keep their mouths closed. - How To Learn Telugu – Understanding Telugu Vocabulary and Grammar - What is Python? | What is Python used for | How to learn Python - How To Study Faster: 50 Tricks to study Faster and More Effectively - How to Play Guitar – Learn to Play Guitar - How To Block Or Unblock Someone On Facebook: Android & Desktop Don't be discouraged! If you're serious about learning to talk Korean, keep at it - the satisfaction you will get from mastering a second language will far outweigh the difficulties you encounter along the way. Learning a replacement language takes time and practice, it won't happen overnight. Find a speaker: one of the simplest ways to enhance your new language skills is to practice speaking with a speaker . they're going to easily be ready to correct any grammar or pronunciation mistakes you create and may introduce you to more informal or colloquial sorts of speech that you simply won't find during a textbook. If you've got a Korean-speaker who is willing to assist , that's great! Otherwise, you'll place a billboard within the local paper or online or investigate whether there are any pre-existing Korean conversation groups within the area. If you cannot locate any Korean-speakers nearby, try finding one on Skype. they could be willing to exchange quarter-hour of Korean conversation for quarter-hour of English. Popular Korean messaging apps are an honest thanks to practice, as well, because it'll assist you to find out more slang and to read Hangul quickly.

Consider signing up for a language course. If you'd like some extra motivation or feel you would learn better during a more formal setting, try signing up for a Korean language course. Look out for language courses advertised at local colleges, schools or community centers. If you're nervous about signing up for a category by yourself, drag a lover along. you will have more fun and also someone to practice with between classes! Watch Korean films and cartoons. Get your hands on some Korean DVDs (with subtitles) or watch Korean cartoons online. this is often a simple , entertaining thanks to get a pity the sound and structure of the Korean language. If you are feeling particularly proactive, try pausing the video after an easy sentence and repeat what has just been said. this may lend your Korean accent an air of authenticity! If you cannot find any Korean films to shop for , try renting them from a movie rental store, which frequently have foreign language sections. Alternatively, see if your local library has any Korean films or ask if they might be ready to source some for you. Find apps designed for Korean children. Translate "learn the alphabet" or "games for babies and/or children" into Korean then cut and paste the Hangeul (Korean) Korean results into the app store search bar. The apps are simple enough for a toddler to use; so, you do not got to read or speak Korean to work the app. it's also less costly than buying DVDs. The apps teach the proper thanks to write Korean letters; and, most have song and dance routines; also, there are puzzles and games to find out common everyday Korean vocabulary. take care to not buy an app that's for Korean children to solely learn English. Listen to Korean music and radio. taking note of Korean music and/or radio is another great way to surround yourself within the language. albeit you cannot understand everything, attempt to detect keywords to assist you get the gist of what is being said. Korean pop is sang primarily in Korean, but some English words are sprinkled in too. Fans will often write out English translations, so you'll understand the message of the song. Get a Korean radio app on your phone, so you'll listen on the go. Try downloading Korean podcasts to concentrate to while exercising or doing housework. Consider taking a visit to South Korea . Once you are feeling comfortable with the fundamentals of Korean speech, consider taking a visit to Korea. What better thanks to immerse yourself within the Korean language than a journey to its native land!

How to Speak the Korean Language for Beginners

For complete beginners, learning the way to read and speak Korean fluently can't only be a challenge, it also can be quite intimidating. With a totally different alphabet, orthography, grammar, and pronunciation from English, Korean requires you to really learn the language from the bottom up.  However, as long as you're ready to develop a solid foundation for future training so as to repeatedly repose on what you've learned, you will be surprised to seek out that you simply too, can learn Korean much faster and more effectively than you thought.  With our new video, Glossika Intro Series - Learn the fundamentals of Korean, on the Glossika YouTube channel, you'll build a robust foundation that will assist you learn to read and speak Korean with far more ease as we walk you thru the steps for breaking through your learning plateau.  Despite having received an enormous amount of foreign influence from China since past , and more recently the us , Korea has impressively preserved much of its unique culture and identity to the present day. On your next trip to Korea, you'll definitely want to form sure you visit a number of the temples, museums, towers, islands, palaces, amusements parks, villages, markets, department shops , shopping malls, and more so as to experience the brilliance of Korean scenery, tourist attractions, and culture fully. The appeal of Korea's unique culture has gained momentum in many various countries everywhere on the planet. This phenomenon has been coined Hallyu (한류) or the Korean Wave. Read the full article